The Art of Europe department seeks a volunteer intern who is interested in and ideally has some experience in or knowledge of the field of Judaica, Jewish ritual objects for use in the home or in the synagogue, and is interested in this field as an area of Museum collecting. A new area of the MFA’s collection, this position will allow the intern to see the formation of a collection from the earliest stages. Working under the curator of Judaica, this research intern will have an opportunity to learn first-hand both about museum work and a new area of collecting that spans all departments in the Museum. Interns will receive training and can expect to refine their research skills. Interns will also be included in behind-the-scenes visits and learning opportunities. The successful candidate will be mature, detail-oriented, adept with standard office technology, and have a demonstrated interest in museum work.
Responsibilities:
• Sorting and organizing paper records in Judaica files
• Augmenting files with new research conducted in art history libraries
• Reconciling this information with that in electronic and hard-copy MFA collections records
• Learn about and assist with daily tasks
Qualifications:
• Enrollment in, or recent completion of, a graduate program in art history or Jewish Studies
• Substantial demonstrated experience using libraries to research works of art
• Reading knowledge of Hebrew and at least one European language
• Particular interest in Judaica in a museum setting
• Ability to attend orientation on either Wed, Sept 18 (6pm) or Wed, Oct 2 (10am or 6pm)
• Ability to commit to a regular schedule of part-time work that will total a minimum of 200 hours over one or two semesters
*Applications will be evaluated as they are received throughout the year. Position open until filled. Ideally, start and end dates will reflect the standard Fall/Winter-Spring/Summer intern schedule, but they might be flexible depending on intern availability or department need.